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Danica Vittoria Named CCCC KRV ACCESS Programs Student of the Year

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

ACCESS Programs at Cerro Coso Community College recognized Kern River Valley student Danica Vittoria as their KRV Student of the Year.

Given annually to a student who, despite obstacles, continues to face every challenge with enthusiasm and drive, the award was presented in a ceremony held at the Carriage Inn on Friday, April 26.

A graduate of Kern Valley High School, Danica wants area high school students to know what a great opportunity and asset Cerro Coso is to the local communities. "I spent one semester in Bakersfield taking college classes that didn't count toward the degree I wanted and that were not transferable," said Danica. "It was a waste of time and money." After returning to the KRV she met with Cerro Coso Counselor Pam Godfrey who assessed her interests and talents. "Pam helped me find the right program for me and put me on a path for success, I was able to keep a busy work schedule and take the majority of all my classes online" she said.

Danica graduated this May with an A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts and plans to transfer and earn a Master's in Child Psychology. Ultimately her goal is to be a school psychologist working with children.

In addition to her schooling Danica has also danced for 12 years, and had the good fortune to utilize her dance skills as a dance character for Disney last summer. She plans to take a break from her schooling next year to focus on dance.

Staying true to her two passions in life, dance and children, Danica is currently working as a paraprofessional in a Special Education Preschool class at South Fork Elementary, and also teaches ballet, jazz, and hip hop at the Whitman Dance Studio.

Danica's dedication to her studies and active participation in the ACCESS Programs at the college led to her success. "Cerro Coso is the only form of higher education in the valley and it's a life changing tool," concluded Danica.